When it comes to rehabilitating mass concrete structures such as bridges, hydroelectric dams, and tunnels, one of the greatest challenges is removing deteriorated concrete without compromising the embedded structural steel reinforcement. At Controlled Demolition Group, we specialize in using hydro demolition—a high-pressure water jetting technique that removes concrete precisely while leaving rebar and other embedded steel elements intact.
The Problem with Traditional Methods
Jackhammers, breakers, and mechanical chipping are effective at breaking concrete, but they come with serious risks:
- Damage to embedded rebar, which can reduce load-bearing capacity.
- Micro-cracks in surrounding concrete, weakening overall structural integrity.
- Higher repair costs and extended downtime, as damaged steel often requires replacement.
In critical structures like bridges or dams, this kind of damage is unacceptable. Even minor harm to reinforcing steel can escalate into costly structural concerns.
The Hydro Demolition Advantage
Hydro demolition relies on ultra-high-pressure water jets (up to 40,000 PSI) to strip away only the concrete, leaving structural steel untouched. In fact, the process often cleans corrosion from rebar, preparing it for restoration.
Key benefits for mass concrete structures include:
- Bridges: Safe rebar exposure allows for effective deck and pier rehabilitation.
- Dams: Maintains steel continuity in high-load areas critical to safety.
- Tunnels: Prevents damage in confined, structurally sensitive spaces.
Why Steel Integrity Matters
Reinforcing steel is the backbone of large concrete infrastructure. Damaging it during demolition can:
- Shorten service life.
- Increase repair costs.
- Delay reopening of vital infrastructure.
Hydro demolition preserves this steel, ensuring rehabilitation strengthens rather than weakens the structure.
Controlled Demolition Group’s Expertise
With our robotic hydro demolition systems, Controlled Demolition Group delivers precision, efficiency, and safety on every project. By protecting embedded steel and ensuring the integrity of mass concrete elements, we help extend the service life of vital infrastructure across Canada—from urban bridges to hydroelectric power facilities.
Conclusion
Hydro demolition isn’t just a concrete removal method—it’s a safeguard for the embedded structural steel that holds critical infrastructure together. For owners and engineers managing bridges, dams, and tunnels, partnering with Controlled Demolition Group ensures safer, longer-lasting, and cost-effective rehabilitation solutions.
